Any advice for an absolute noob? I'm about to get a -ton- of minis from a kickstarter I backed and don't know diddly-squat about painting.
Im still a beginner as well, but if i could offer advice:
Number one most important rule! Thin your paints well. Not too thin, but not too thick. Its too thin if the paint runs all over the miniature. Too thick if it starts to cover up details. You pretty much want to do 2 thin coats for each piece.
For paints i recommend Citadel. Expensive but the absolute best imo. Vallejo makes some good paints too but their colors are limited.
Dont worry about messing up. Stripping them of paint is easy, and its easier if you do thin coats. Simple Green all purpose cleaner will strip the miniatures without messing up details. Just toss it in a glass of Simple Green over night then take a toothbrush to it and bam, good as new.
When priming them, thinner is better. You never want to cover up details. Ive had good experience with just spray can primer as opposed to brush on primer.
Here is a good video on what thinned paints should look like and what happens when you dont thin them enough. Also offers some good advice.